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Nissan design translates motion into emotion

The way people are buying cars is changing. Cars are purchased as a reflection of a driver's lifestyle, so the way models are designed needs to be revolutionized. This was the thinking behind the visionary co-creation of the Nissan IDx Freeflow (pictured) and IDx NISMO concept cars, which made their first appearance in the U.S. at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

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Nissan design translates motion into emotion

The way people are buying cars is changing. Cars are purchased as a reflection of a driver's lifestyle, so the way models are designed needs to be revolutionized. This was the thinking behind the visionary co-creation of the Nissan IDx Freeflow (pictured) and IDx NISMO concept cars, which made their first appearance in the U.S. at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Provided by Nissan

The IDx Freeflow concept vehicle combines the vintage appeal of the Datsun 510 with modern vehicle design and technology. “IDx NISMO and IDx Freeflow (pictured) show how Nissan is using new and innovative product development methods to meet the needs of younger customers who have novel, exciting ideas and (to) engage with them to build the cars they want,” says Shiro Nakamura, chief creative officer of Nissan Motor Co. Provided by Nissan

A choice of colors and matching wheels is not enough in a society where cars are purchased as a reflection of a driver's lifestyle. This was the thinking behind the visionary co-creation of the Nissan IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO (pictured) concept cars, which debuted in the U.S. at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Provided by Nissan

“Design is communicating emotion from designer to customer," says Shiro Nakamura, senior VP and chief creative officer of Nissan Motor Co. "Also important are practicality, performance and functionality. ... Overall, it is proportion acknowledging constraints like position of tires, size of engine, interior space … getting the right package. You have to set a clear goal. What is your brand going to be?” Provided by Nissan

The Nissan BladeGlider, debuting its in-wheel electric motors at the Tokyo Motor Show, is both the future direction of Nissan electric vehicles and an exploratory prototype of the Nissan ZEOD RC. Provided by Nissan

The Nissan BladeGlider, debuting its in-wheel electric motors at the Tokyo Motor Show, is both the future direction of Nissan electric vehicles and an exploratory prototype of the Nissan ZEOD RC. Provided by Nissan

“Auto design has a 100-year history; architecture has not changed,” says Shiro Nakamura, senior VP and chief creative officer of Nissan Motor Co. “Now, we have to make a revolution with electric and fuel cell technology. We can create much more unique packaging. We have the BladeGlider concept from Tokyo with new architecture. We still have to overcome, with the unique shape, cost and regulations. It’s a race car that is going into production.” Provided by Nissan

The Nissan BladeGlider, debuting its in-wheel electric motors at the Tokyo Motor Show, is both the future direction of Nissan electric vehicles and an exploratory prototype of the Nissan ZEOD RC. Provided by Nissan

First there was the Nissan Resonance (top), with its futuristic aerodynamic styling signaling the direction of upcoming Nissan midsize crossovers. It made its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. Then came the Nissan Friend-ME, showcased at Auto Shanghai 2013, with its category-busting energetic modern design. Now, making its world debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, comes the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept — applying real sports car performance standards and new design philosophies to a four-door sedan. Provided by Nissan

Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer at Nissan Motor Co., provided a look at the company's design direction with the world debut of the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept during a press conference at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. Provided by Nissan

In introducing the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept at the Detroit auto show, Shiro Nakamura, senior VP and chief creative officer of Nissan Motor Co., said, “It is basically the top of lineup of the Nissan brand. It’s a halo product, cascading to the whole Nissan design. It has a very emotional front, flowing sides and floating roof that you will see in (other Nissan vehicles)." Provided by Nissan

The Nissan Sport Sedan Concept offers a strong hint at the next Maxima, as well as design language for next-generation Nissan products. Dynamic lines with boomerang LED lights and 21-inch alloys accompany a 300-horsepower V6 engine and continuously variable transmission. Jerrod Nall/For The Star

The Nissan Sport Sedan Concept offers a strong hint at the next Maxima, as well as design language for next-generation Nissan products. Dynamic lines with boomerang LED lights and 21-inch alloys accompany a 300-horsepower V6 engine and continuously variable transmission. Jerrod Nall/For The Star